The Worcester Arts Council (formerly the Worcester Cultural Commission) is a municipal body consisting of nine members appointed by the City Manager. The Council is charged with promoting the cultural affairs of the City of Worcester; conducting studies and research and publishing reports of cultural activities; advising municipal agencies on cultural matters; and allocating funds received by the Council for cultural projects and programs.
The mission of the Worcester Arts Council is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretative sciences to improve the quality of life for Worcester residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our City.
The Worcester Arts Council (WAC) has announced the recipients of funding for the 2013 granting cycle. WAC awarded a total of $86,458 to 42 Worcester area artists, organizations, and educational institutions. A complete list of grantees can be viewed online. Congratulations to all who were fortunate to receive funding for this grant cycle!
The Worcester Arts Council will host its Annual Community Input Meeting on Wednesday, June 26th, 6- 7:30 p.m. in the Saxe Room of the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to help identify priorities for funding for the 2014 granting cycle.
The community at large is also invited to share their thoughts via a Community Input Survey - available online via this link or via download below. Responses will be collected through July 1, 2013.
The Council accepts grant applications on an annual basis between mid-August and October 15th, with allocations made before the end of the calendar year. Grants are issued to support arts, humanities and interpretive sciences; visual artists, performing artists, science educators, historians and other humanists; as well as community, business and civic groups, social service organizations, schools, neighborhood centers, and youth, senior and family associations. For 2013, the Worcester Arts Council granted just over $86,000 to some 42 artists and Worcester-based organizations.
In addition to its monthly meetings, held the third Tuesday of each month, the Worcester Arts Council also hosts an annual Community Input Meeting to determine priorities for grant funding, along with Grant Writing Workshops to assist those interested in applying for funds.
